The purpose of this study is to analyse variables related to the depression of the elderly and to provide a basic material for programs which improve the health of this population.
The subjects were 168 elderly people(55 years and older) living in Taegu. They were surveyed by interview using a closed-ended questionnaire. The survey was done from Oct. 6th. 1998. The instrument used in this study was pain scale(pain experience for past one year, severity of pain, level of disturbing the activity), Short from Geriatric Depression Scale, Barthel Index, Subjective health status scale. The data were analysed by using descriptive statistics, t-test, ANOVA, Pearson´s correlation coeffcient, stepwise multiple regression.
The findings were as follows :
1. According to age(F = 3.17, P + 026), spouse status(t = -2.44, P = 016), subjective health status(F = 17.04, P = .000), there were differences of depression.
2. Pain correlated positively with depression(r = .288, P = .000), physical dependency correlated positively(r = .337, P = .000), subjective health status correlated negatively(r = -.522, P = .000)
3. The combination of physical dependency, severity of pain explained 18.1% of the varience of depression.
On the basis of the above findings the following recommendations are made ;
1.Developing health programs is needed considering pain, physical dependency, subjective health status, demographic variables(age, spouse status) which have an significant effect on depression of the elderly.
2. in the following study, the use of the scale is needed which reflects variously the activities of the elderly in than physical dependendy.
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